Chương 103: The True Inheritance Investiture—Challenges and Opportunities

"Come, let's head into Hongyi Courtyard and talk." Yuan Lang pushed open the gates to Hongyi Courtyard. Inside, two beautiful young maidservants were sweeping the grounds.

"These two are Mingyue and Caixia. Among the servant disciples, they're considered clever and capable."

"Now that you've entered the True Inheritance sequence, it wouldn't be proper for no one to take care of your daily needs." Yuan Lang explained. The two girls looked at Su Zhe in surprise. They clearly hadn't expected the recently famous genius who had been promoted directly to the True Inheritance to be so young—and so handsome. The two exchanged glances, their cheeks flushing slightly before they bowed gracefully in unison.

"Greetings, True Disciple Su!" Despite living for so many years, Su Zhe had never experienced being waited on before. Looking at Mingyue and Caixia, both youthful, graceful, and beautiful in their own unique ways, like two blooming peonies, he couldn't help feeling awkward.

"Ahem... There's no need to be so formal. Just call me Su Zhe." Yuan Lang waved his hand and said sternly,"You've already greeted True Disciple Su. Why are you still standing here? If you can't even manage the work in Hongyi Courtyard properly, do you know what punishment awaits you?" The two girls immediately lowered their heads in apology before hurrying off to tidy the residence. Yuan Lang and Su Zhe sat down on the stone stools in the courtyard. Yuan Lang smiled.

"Masters and servants have their proper places. Sword Casting Manor has existed for over sixteen hundred years. The hierarchy cannot be ignored."

"What you said just now, Junior Brother... don't say it again. If other disciples hear it, they'll only laugh at you." After Yuan Lang's explanation, Su Zhe finally understood what servant disciples really were. Servant disciples were those who had failed—or never had the opportunity—to pass the disciple recruitment ceremony and enter the Inner Sect. In other words, they belonged to the Outer Sect. The Outer Sect was divided into two factions: the Black Cavalry and the servant disciples.

The Black Cavalry generally consisted of older martial artists with considerable strength but limited future potential. They were either cultivated by the sect itself or recommended by Inner Sect disciples. For example, if Yu Yi successfully entered the Inner Sect of Sword Casting Manor—even as an ordinary disciple—and Wang Shan had survived, Wang Shan could have used that connection to join the Black Cavalry and obtain a treasured cultivation art.

Naturally, the Black Cavalry numbered in the thousands, and many of its core commanders were directly controlled by the sect's powerful elders. The other group consisted of the servant disciples. Anyone who missed the recruitment ceremony or failed its examination could become one. However, servant disciples found it extremely difficult to obtain cultivation resources.

Most had to perform menial labor throughout Sword Casting Manor—cultivating spirit fields, feeding demonic beasts, and countless other low-status jobs. Still, being a servant disciple had its advantages. If one managed to follow a talented Inner Sect disciple and earn their favor, there were countless examples of such people rising to prominence overnight. The fact that Yuan Lang had personally selected Mingyue and Caixia to serve Su Zhe...

Given Su Zhe's astonishing potential, this was undoubtedly a tremendous blessing for the two girls. That was why Yuan Lang had reminded Su Zhe to maintain proper boundaries.

"I'll remember that, Senior Brother." Su Zhe nodded. He personally didn't care much about status or social hierarchy. But since Yuan Lang had said so, there was no point arguing. What truly occupied his thoughts was the True Inheritance Ceremony.

"The True Inheritance Ceremony is also known as the Investiture Ceremony. At that time, the Five Manor Lords will preside over it together. They'll read the decree, bestow the True Inheritance Seal, and grant you command over the Black Cavalry through a military tally. Only then will your status as a True Disciple be officially recognized."

"But you should also know that the True Inheritance sequence has always remained at exactly ten members. No more, no less. That tradition has lasted for a thousand years." The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

"Sword Casting Manor values martial strength above all else. Many core disciples have been stuck at that level for years, all dreaming of becoming True Disciples. To them..."

"Your Investiture Ceremony is an opportunity that rarely comes around." Yuan Lang smiled, though there was a meaningful glint in his eyes. Su Zhe's expression turned serious.

"Someone like you, Senior Brother Yuan?" Yuan Lang coughed awkwardly.

"You could put it that way..."

"During the Investiture Ceremony, you'll begin at the foot of the Main Peak and climb all nine thousand nine hundred stone steps until you reach the Main Hall."

"Throughout that entire journey, any disciple of Sword Casting Manor who refuses to acknowledge your qualifications as a True Disciple may challenge you."

"If someone defeats the prospective True Disciple, they won't immediately become a True Disciple themselves—but they'll certainly earn greater recognition in the eyes of the Five Manor Lords, greatly improving their chances in future evaluations." After Yuan Lang gave a simple explanation of the ceremony, Su Zhe immediately understood. Within Sword Casting Manor, the Inner Sect consisted of ordinary disciples and core disciples. How many were there altogether? At the very least, several thousand.

After all, besides the annual recruitment ceremony, many servant disciples also rose into the Inner Sect over the years. When the ceremony arrived, Su Zhe would have to face every single Inner Sect disciple beneath the level of True Disciple. Even someone as calm as him couldn't help drawing a sharp breath.

"The First Manor Lord said my Investiture Ceremony will take place in three months."

"With only three months to prepare... if everyone challenging me is as strong as you are, Senior Brother Yuan, how could I possibly make it all the way to the Main Hall?" Yuan Lang's strength was already not much weaker than that of a True Disciple. He was close to the sixth rank. With the right opportunity to transform his internal force into true qi, he would step into the sixth rank himself.

Among the disciples under the other Manor Lords, there were undoubtedly many more elite core disciples on Yuan Lang's level. After all, the Jade Body Manor Lord accepted disciples with extraordinary strictness. Ordinary people would never catch his eye. With Su Zhe's current strength—and the mountain of trump cards he possessed—he wasn't afraid of ordinary fifth-rank martial artists. But against someone like Yuan Lang, who stood at the peak of the fifth rank, even Su Zhe couldn't confidently predict the outcome.

Unless... He could ambush him. Unfortunately, there wasn't just one Yuan Lang. There were many. Three months... That was undoubtedly a daunting challenge.

"Our Jade Body faction may have few disciples, but we're united. When the time comes, we'll naturally help you, Junior Brother."

"But facing the entire Inner Sect with your own strength... you should prepare yourself mentally." Yuan Lang chuckled before continuing.

"Previous True Disciples all spent years—sometimes over a decade—building relationships within the Inner Sect."

"They might have had rivalries here and there, but everyone knew each other. They were fellow disciples, after all."

"So when the Investiture Ceremony arrived, out of respect for old friendships, most challengers simply went through the motions. Better to make friends than enemies."

"But your foundation is far too shallow. You have only three months. That's nowhere near enough time to build those connections." He tapped the stone table, striking directly at the heart of the issue. Su Zhe nodded in agreement.

"But there is still one ray of hope." Yuan Lang suddenly changed the subject.

"I'm all ears, Senior Brother." Su Zhe leaned forward immediately.

"Sword Casting Manor encourages disciples to temper themselves through battle. We do not tolerate cowardice."

"But neither do we allow our disciples to die needlessly."

"During the Investiture Ceremony, no one whose cultivation exceeds the candidate's by an entire major realm may participate."

"In other words, if you remain in the fourth rank over these next three months—continuing to temper your cultivation and strengthen your foundation—then with your martial ability, you'll only need to face fourth-rank Inner Sect disciples."

"There are certainly many fourth-rank disciples."

"But at least clearing them all is possible." Yuan Lang pointed out the key. Su Zhe's eyes lit up. So cultivators more than one major realm above him were forbidden from challenging him! That meant... If, three months from now, he remained at the peak of the fourth rank, every opponent he faced would also be limited to the fourth rank. But if he advanced to the fifth rank... Then he'd have to fight peak fifth-rank experts instead. Even a fool knew which option seemed easier. Su Zhe slowly let out a breath.

Only he truly understood his own situation. If he deliberately suppressed his cultivation for three months and stayed at the peak of the fourth rank, it would undoubtedly waste a tremendous amount of precious time. Setting everything else aside... He was already in the middle stage of the fourth rank. After passing both the Black Iron Puppet trial and the Tempering Lake, he could already feel the bottleneck loosening. It wouldn't be long before he reached the late fourth rank.

"If I deliberately suppress my cultivation, I can forge an exceptionally solid foundation. But as Master said, once fear takes root in the heart, one's martial spirit will inevitably suffer."

"Besides... once I break through to the fifth rank, I'll meet the requirements to open my Seventh Immortal Aperture. As long as I have enough Five Metals and other resources, I can unlock it."

"For ordinary people, avoiding stronger opponents may be the wisest choice. But for me... advancing to the fifth rank may not actually be more difficult than remaining trapped in the fourth." His thoughts raced. Unlocking the Sixth Immortal Aperture had required reaching the fourth rank. The Seventh Immortal Aperture required reaching the fifth rank. Combined with sufficient resources, it could then be opened. Naturally, these secrets couldn't be shared with Yuan Lang.

"Had it not been for your guidance, Senior Brother Yuan, I would've had no idea there were so many hidden rules behind the Investiture Ceremony."

"As the saying goes, those who listen to good advice never go hungry, and with someone to guide the way, the road becomes much smoother. Senior Brother Yuan, you've truly become my benefactor." Rather than refusing Yuan Lang's kindness, Su Zhe smiled sincerely, clasped his fists in gratitude, then reached into his robes. He took out an East Sea Luminous Pearl and pressed it into Yuan Lang's hand.

"Words alone can't express my gratitude, Senior Brother."

"I'm just someone from a remote backwater, but I know how to repay kindness."

"This pearl is a treasured heirloom of the Blacksmith Guild in Lu County. It isn't especially useful, but it's incredibly rare."

"Before I left, my master in Lu County secretly gave it to me, saying that if I ever met someone who truly helped me, I should use it to show my gratitude."

"And after meeting you, Senior Brother, I can't think of anyone more deserving." Holding the smooth, flawless pearl, Yuan Lang's expression changed dramatically. He hurriedly tried to push it back.

"Junior Brother, this... this is absolutely unacceptable..." Yet his hand refused to move. It felt as though a mountain were blocking it in place. This little junior brother is unbelievably strong... Yuan Lang thought in astonishment. He looked up and met Su Zhe's bright, utterly sincere eyes. His heart trembled. Everyone knew Su Zhe came from Lu County, the most remote and impoverished county in Tang Prefecture. Compared to the other seventeen counties, Lu County was backward in every respect.

To Yuan Lang, an East Sea Luminous Pearl was merely a rare curiosity. But in Lu County... It was undoubtedly an irreplaceable treasure. Anyone with half a brain could guess that Su Zhe didn't possess a second one. Realizing this, Yuan Lang looked at Su Zhe with even greater warmth.